Boxing News Boxing News
One of the most respected boxing referees in the world is getting a chance to prove his quality on one of the biggest nights for boxing this year.
Kenny Bayless has been named to referee the junior middleweight championship unification bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez during the Nevada State Athletic Commission monthly meeting.
Most boxing enthusiasts will agree that Bayless is one of the best in the sport. However, he has been criticized in the past because he gets too involved with the fighters.
“Bang Bang” Bayless, as he was known when he was boxing, has a tendency to constantly talk to fighters during the contest and to break them up when the fights gets inside.
This situation could cause a problem for Alvarez, (42-0-1, 30 KO’s), who will no doubt try as a strategy to pressure Mayweather, (44-0, 26 KO’s), by boxing him inside.
Bayless is an excellent referee but even a master has bad habits and you can be sure Alvarez will not be allowed to fight on the inside. Alvarez will have to just disregard Bayless, even if that means having points deducted, and stick to attacking Mayweather inside.
Another troubling announcement is that C.J. Ross of Nevada will be one of the judges for this fight. You might remember her from her infamous scorecard that gave Timothy Bradley a split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao.
Even HBO’s Harold Lederman has reportedly questioned her credentials and yet she keeps getting these high profile fights. This announcement is troubling for both Mayweather and Alvarez as the scoring will likely be unpredictable with Ross.
Let’s hope that one of the fighters will be able to decide the fight with their skill set and not have yet another embarrassing fiasco that makes a mockery out of our sport.
